Statement of Significance (as of designation - June 22, 1989):
Founded in 1852, the Cambria Iron Company is one of only two 19th century steel mills still standing in the nation. The Company's production of iron and steel rail helped end America's reliance on English-produced rails and allowed the momentous expansion of the nation's railroad network.

Condition:
The Cambria Iron Works closed in 1992. In 2001, the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority acquired three key structures within the complex (the Blacksmith Shop, the Machine Shop, and the adjacent Carpenter Shop) from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, in order to return the buildings to a viable industrial, commercial, and tourist site under a mixed-use conceptual plan. Both the Machine and Carpenter Shops were expected to be completed by the end of 2002.

Pennsylvania Heritage Park funds have been sought to plan the rehabilitation of the Blacksmith Shop, which continues to suffer from lack of maintenance. The Johnstown Area Heritage Association applied for and received a federal Save America's Treasures grant in 2003 to stabilize the building envelope in preparation for a complete restoration. The matching award amount was $261,925.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Additional funding is needed to undertake the measures that are critical to preserving these structures.